Why Vidic bid would be huge step backwards for Man United

Manchester United are said to be lining up a shock swoop for former captain and current Inter Milan defender Nemanja Vidic.

The 33-year-old Serbian left Old Trafford in the summer to join Serie A giants Inter Milan but has failed to hit the heights he reached in the Premier League.

Reports suggest Louis van Gaal, who has had to contend with a raft of injuries to the likes of Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Rafael, Luke Shaw and Johnny Evans, has already agreed a deal that will see Vidic return in the New Year.

The news is likely to be welcomed by certain sections of the Old Trafford faithful, with the current crop of defenders crying out for an experienced head to lead them in their quest for a return to the top four.

However, at 33-years-old and struggling for form it is likely that Vidic would not be granted the first-choice status he enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes and would instead fill a back-up role.

It is likely that his mere presence in the squad, though, could do more harm than good, with the likes of Jones and Smalling already suffering from dented confidence as a result of a lack of form and fitness.

Should Vidic return and usurp either man from the starting line-up – provided either is fit – the confidence blow could further halt their long-term progression.

To risk this for the chance to name an aging, out-of-form centre half may not be the wisest move and Van Gaal should consider setting his sights elsewhere for the good of United’s cause.

It’s clear for all to see that the Dutchman needs to add to his defensive ranks but an established centre-back with plenty of years in the tank is what’s required.

United take on Liverpool this weekend and go into the tie 4/5 favourites to strengthen their tilt at the top four and while a new defensive arrival in the New Year likely see the odds of securing a Champions League spot fall even further from the current price of 1/7 a Vidic swansong is not the answer.

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